Andrew Birkett prepares for The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon

Photo credit: Dion Haak

With just 9 days to go until the start of The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon the sleepy hollow of Pietermaritzburg is buzzing with excitement ahead of this prestigious race. Team Jeep's Andy Birkett is once again teaming up with good friend Jason Graham in the hopes of repeating their performance from 2 years ago when they crossed the line first at Blue Lagoon to claim their first doubles title together. Graham, at 33 years old, is considered a Grampa to the young Birkett, (21 years) but his commitment and experience in the back of the boat is what makes their partnership work. "Gramps and I are best of friends, we just gel together in the boat and really have fun together. I think that is so important, we want to train together and perform at our best and being good mates makes it so much easier", says Birkett. "Who could forget the end sprint in the singles last year when the young Birkett outsprinted seasoned paddler and 4 times Dusi Winner Ant Stott in front of the flabbergasted crowd lining the banks of the Umgeni river to welcome them home." The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon is my focus event on my sporting calendar, I just love this race and the vibe and energy around it. The Unlimited has really lifted the profile and the experience of the Dusi, their attention to detail and passion for the valley and its people does not go unnoticed by the paddlers. Having won the singles and doubles in this iconic race has been a dream come true, as a lightie I always looked up to Ant Stott and it's always a highlight for me to race against him, we'll really miss him at the sharp end of the race this year." says Birkett. After grabbing the opportunity to turn professional in 2010 with Team Jeep in both paddling and multisport, Birkett has been working really hard on his portfolio and has since signed with two more of his dream givers, AHVR, (Chartered Accountants (SA) | Registered Auditors) and Team Best 4 Kayak Centre. "Being a professional athlete is just like having any other job, you have to be disciplined and focused, it's not easy putting your body through hell each and every day but with my support base and fantastic partners it becomes a lot easier. I am really excited about my involvement with Team Best 4 Kayak Centre, they really are making a difference and their involvement is not just around the team but they are lifting the portfolio of canoeing as a whole by making it more professional and sustainable. Canoeing really needed this boost and the passion and drive behind Team Best 4 Kayak Centre is contagious." says Birkett Studying his 4th year at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (Pietermaritzburg) and performing at the highest level takes a great amount dedication and balance. "Varsity has always been very good at accommodating my hectic sporting calendar, it's just a case of communication, balance and keeping things simple" says Birkett The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon starts next week Thursday the 16th of February at Camps Drift at 06h00. Get down to the banks of the Dusi River and show your support for Andy and Jason and close on 2 000 other paddlers as they head out on this iconic race.